Bradford City: Mark Lawn says Bantams stronger all round

Mark Lawn, Bradford City joint-chairman, told the Telegraph and Argus that already the team is stronger all round than what was at the club last season. Last season the Bantams narrowly missed out on a promotion play-off place as they finished in 7th place and four points adrift from the last playoff place. Speaking to the T&A, Lawn said,

“We’ll have a good competitive squad and I think we’ll have a stronger one. I think what Phil has brought in so far is stronger than what he let go.” Mark Lawn, Telegraph and Argus: July 28, 2015

Whilst stressing the strength in the new signings, Lawn is also keen to point out that he sees all the new boys as upgrades on those they have replaced. He is reported as saying that players such as in-coming Josh Morris is a better player than outgoing Andy Halliday and also that Steve Davies has the potential to be better than Jon Stead. Lawn also stresses the versatility that is on the books at Valley Parade in regard to their front four players. Lawn says,

“You look at the four we’ve got up front now and they offer something different.You can go big man, little man with James Hanson and Billy Clarke or Hanson and James. Or if Phil wants to batter the opposition, you can go Hanson and Davies.” Mark Lawn, Telegraph and Argus: July 28, 2015

This adaptability could very well be one facet that could improve the Bantams, allowing them to mix-and-match strikers to suit the defensive styles of City’s opponents. Versatility is often the factor in games that allows teams to not only change formation but also carve out results against teams rather than relying on the same old tried-and-trusted formula.

The T&A article also intimates that there could very well be further additions to the Bantams’ ranks with manager Phil Parkinson saying he wants “five more additions to bolster the ranks for the new season”. As written about on The72 yesterday, sources in East Anglia have linked former Ipswich winger, Paul Anderson, to Valley Parade. Mark Lawn also addresses criticism that Bradford City haven’t used any of the money from last season’s FA Cup run or the ‘substantial sum’ that they received from Premier League Swansea Cityfrom the transfer of young striker Oliver McBurnie. Addressing this criticism directly, Lawn says,

“There’s this fallacy that we haven’t spent in the transfer market. What do you think we are doing now with the squad and the wages? They should look at the wages that people are paying now. Because the increase in the Premier League is vast, it trickles down. This year’s wages are probably on average 30-50 per cent more than last season. That’s right across the board at all levels.” Mark Lawn, Telegraph and Argus: July 28, 2015

With Bradford City fans wanting that promotion from League One into the Championship, maybe the fresh blood at the club and the likelihood of more to come is the impetus that City need to start to put together a successful season that has promotion as the goal.

Quotations taken from original source – Telegraph and Argus article by Simon Parker

featured image (cropped and resized) – Ingy The Wingy (Flickr)

Previous Article
, Hull defender set to sign for West Brom

Hull defender set to sign for West Brom

Next Article
, Burnley complete the signing of Long from the Premier League

Burnley complete the signing of Long from the Premier League

Related Posts